One of the biggest supporters of my writing career is my dad. He also happens to be a big sci-fi fanatic... so in honor of him, I thought I would give everyone a little gift. This weekend, enjoy my new sci-fi short, Boone's Journey for FREE.

In the outliers of the Turinth Galaxy, Talia Boone embarks on a tedious, mindless mission to repair outpost communication buoys. Talia likes her solo expeditions - no micromanagement, no small talk, and no one to share her hidden stash of vodka. But when the mission goes awry and her cruiser malfunctions, isolation can have deadly consequences.

About the Book...

Author: Giselle ShardlowIllustrator: Emily GedzykSummary: Energize your body and mind with this yoga island adventure book for young children!

Say good day to the magical island of Bali! Join Anamika, one of the Yoga Kids, as she travels with her family to Bali, Indonesia. Surf like a surfer, dance like a Balinese dancer, and sit like a monkey.The book includes a list of Kids Yoga Poses, Map of Bali, Basic Indonesian Phrases, and a Parent-Teacher Guide with tips on creating a successful yoga experience. This yoga book for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2 to 5) is more than a storybook, but it’s also a unique experience for children.

My Review...

As a yoga fanatic, I am beyond thrilled with this book. I believe that it is never too early to introduce kids to the benefits of yoga, and different cultures and places.

This was a charming book with a good balance of rhythm, storytelling, and great illustrations. Each page showed a fun way to connect different beginner yoga moves with the story. This book takes reading to a higher level - making it an active adventure. Perfect for the toddler years.

What really drove my rating up was the information included in the back of the book. It was nice to have a page that detailed all the poses from the book as well as the local language. It's little things like that that make this book special and worth adding to your library.

“Stop, we need to talk about this,” he said grabbing my hand, forcing me still. “Let me go,” I begged, leaning forward. “No. I won’t let you go until you talk to me. Why’d you leave like that?” I stared at him, the confusion in his dark eyes. “What did you expect me to do? You practically told them I would defeat the king by myself.” “Not alone, with our help.” I shot him that look again. “Do you think that makes it better? I don’t know how to fight. I know how to win the game, not kill an evil king. Those are two very different things and you know it. You can’t just sign me up for your rebellion without asking. All I care about right now is getting home, getting out of this game.” “Isn't that all life is though, a game? Aren't we all just trying to find a way through each level?” “Yes, this is a just a game, one that I need to get out of.” “I’m sorry you feel that way. But, Alex, listen, this may just be a game to you, but it’s our lives. Don't let the fear of being the hero keep you from doing what's right.” “But this isn’t real. None of this is real.” “What’s more real that the things you can touch and feel?” He reached out and pressed his lips to my hand. "The things that touch you." “But - " “Stop fighting and listen. Not to me, but to yourself. You've been fighting a rebellion long before you entered Dreamscape. Are you going to give up now when you are so close to the end?” “I have to. There's no other choice. You can’t put your hope in me.” I turned around so he wouldn’t see the tears streaking my cheeks. “We do, why can’t you?” He grabbed my wrists and turned me around. “You are more than just a hero. You are our only chance.” “Let me go. It was one thing going along to get your papers, but this," I pointed to the tavern. "I am not a hero, not really. I can't save your kingdom. I didn’t ask for any of this. I am tired of people expecting me to do things without asking.” “Then what do you want?” “I want to go home. I’m sorry for ever giving you the idea that I could do more. But them,” I pointed back to the tavern. “They need a real hero. That is you, or your men. At some point, I have to drop the charade before someone gets hurt. I am not a hero, I’m just pretending to be one. I might wear the costume, but that’s all it is. I won’t let that boy, or any of them put their faith in a charade, not when they need someone real.” “It’s not like that, we need you. You’re more than you realize.” “I’m nothing here. This isn’t real. You’re not real,” I screamed, pushing him away. “I can’t pretend anymore.” His eyes hardened. “I had hoped I’d mean more to you by now. I can understand you’re afraid, but I don’t understand how you can be so self-absorbed. You can’t just blow us off telling me that we’re a game. What do you think happens when you’re not here? Do you think we disappear?” “I don’t know,” I stammered, staring at him. “Let me tell you, we don’t. This is not a game. This is a rebellion to reclaim our heritage, our queen. I don’t know why you were sent as our hero. You certainly don’t act like one. And honestly, if you can’t find a way to put someone ahead of yourself, I don’t know what good you’d be. This is the hope of our future, not a childhood game to be played for fun. I’m done humoring you. You want to go home - go home. I’ll take you to the highway tomorrow morning.” “Now you’re not being fair. You're twisting my words to make me look bad.” “Goldy, I don't need to twist anything to do that.” I slapped him, and then balled my fist to my mouth, cringing as I waited for his reaction. He rubbed his cheek and turned back to me with a crooked grin. I held my breath as he came closer. “Did that feel real enough for you? What about this?” He reached behind me and pulled me near. My protests stopped as his lips covered mine. My heart jumped, stirring my earlier feelings to their boiling point. My knees weakened, my lips softened against his, and my mind quieted to everything except the hammering of my heart. I grabbed his sleeves, pulling him closer, feeling my greediness resurface. And then he pulled back, and unhooked my hands from his sleeves. “Was that real enough for you?” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and retreated back into the dusty town. I watched him leave, feeling a pang of longing with every step he took. My chest heaved, refusing to hold anything but my shattered heart. “Yes,” I whispered, feeling the linger of his lips, and the burn of regret.- Copyright Kirstin Pulioff 2014

About the Book...

Title: Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of NaysayerAuthor: Aldo Fynn Illustrator: Richie VicencioPublication Date: November 5,2013 Publisher: Boa Press, LLC.Pages: 156 Recommended Ages: 8 to 12Summary: All Iggy Rose wants is for the kids at the Naysayer Academy to like him, and one special girl in particular. But instead, he gets teased and taunted. Every day, he eats alone in the cafeteria and gets beaten up after school on the playground. But when a cruel prank leads to Iggy's escape from the academy, a wild, unimaginable adventure begins. Why is King Naysayer offering a hefty reward for Iggy's capture? When Iggy joins forces with an eclectic cast of characters, he discovers the answer. But before he can escape from the kingdom of Naysayer, Iggy must first reclaim what is rightfully his. Does this sad, lonely boy have the courage to battle the biggest school bully, a mean headmistress, and a greedy, cruel king? Will Iggy finally believe in himself and discover his true destiny?

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The Buzz...

“An entertaining fantasy with a quirky, inventive storyline that shows how things invariably turn out badly for bullies.” Kirkus Reviews

“The book is going to be devoured by readers of any type, whether they're looking for some fun fiction, a comical read, or a page-turner.” 5 Star Review, San Francisco Book Review

"Fynn's book reminded me a bit of Harry Potter, but he adds his own cast of characters and a boy (Iggy), fun dialogue, and an amazing story that you can't help but root for. If you are looking for a great book to get your kids hooked on, then I recommend the Prince Iggy series." 5 Star Review, The Pen and Muse Book Reviews, Amazon

“Has the flavor of a Dickens and a Harry Potter story while remaining wholly original. It just shares those characteristics that make it such an enjoyable read. This book should be on every child's must read list and if I'm to be perfectly honest it should be on every adults list too. It has enough subtle adult humor well within its boundaries to make it an entertaining read for the parents too. It certainly has a modern message. It shows just how heartbreaking bullying can be by children as well as adults. It's a story about losing yourself and finding yourself. It shows being a bully doesn't pay off but believing in yourself does." 5 Star Review, April S., Amazon

Meet the Author - Aldo Fynn

Aldo Fynn enjoys writing wacky, fantastical stories. Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of Naysayer is his debut novel. It's the first book in the Adventures of Prince Iggy Series. He's also written two wacky, laugh-out-loud picture books. He lives under his desk and promises he won't come out until Book 3 in the series is complete. Which is a shame because his desk is based in Los Angeles, where it's sunny and 70 degrees most of the year.

Giveaway - $50 Amazon

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)Contest ends: July 4, 11:59 pm, 2014Open: InternationallyHow to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, Boa Press, LLC. and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Goodnight, Sleep Tight: What a Wonderful FlightAuthor: Louise LintveltIllustrator: Do Thai Thanh Publication Date: April 16, 2014Publisher: eBookPartnership.comNumber of pages: 30Recommended age: 3 to 8Summary: After an exciting flight, it is time to say goodnight. The tired sun sets overhead. Sleepy aircraft get ready for bed. They slow their propellers and park their wings. Time to snuggle up and tuck in...Goodnight, Sleep Tight. The charming illustrations and sweet rhyming text are sure to be a delight for sleepy aircraft enthusiasts.

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What I Thought...

Good Night, Sleep Tight, what a wonderful bedtime story book! I am always on the hunt for good picture books to read to my kids at bedtime. Something that blends great illustrations, a soft theme, and interesting messages. This book has it all.

The illustrations are top notch, a bit reminiscent of Cars and Planes, they put you in the right perspective to read about the different flights. It is a sweet story that teaches about the different roles that planes have in our world, not just passenger planes, or military, but rescue, and agriculture. It shows that after a filled day, they need their rest, a theme happily transferred over to your own kids.

This is a charming book, a great add to any library! 5 stars

Meet the Author - Louise Lintvelt

I am from South Africa and I live in a city called Pretoria. I am a Chemical Engineer by day and a children’s book writer by night. I am married to a wonderful man and we have a beautiful two year old daughter called Allegra. I love writing stories for my daughter, who is a constant inspiration. I have always loved reading. My childhood was filled with books and you would often find me crouched the corner of my room devouring the pages of my favourite book. I lived for Tuesday mornings as this would bring with it the excitement of a trip to the local library for story hour and the opportunity to take home a new book. I was the local librarian’s worst nightmare. I would arrive a few minutes early to check that she had not mistakenly chosen a book that had already been read in story hour. I was a very bossy three year old with an insatiable appetite for books! This has not really changed much in the last twenty seven years. Dr. Seuss was my absolute favourite and to say that my copy of One, Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish was well read would be an understatement. When it comes to writing, my daughter is my biggest inspiration. I love seeing her face light up with excitement when we sit down to read a book before bedtime. My daughter was fascinated by giraffes after we went on a safari trip in late 2012. This planted the seed for my picture book called How Andrew Got His Spots which is a rhyming adaptation of a story I originally wrote in the third grade. My daughter has since grown into a healthy two year old with a passion for aircraft which was the inspiration for writing Goodnight, Sleep tight, What a Wonderful Flight. I am sure that there are many parents in the world (myself included), who are quite decidedly sick and tired of reading the same favourite picture book night after night. I believe that the words of Oscar Wilde best describe how children should feel about picture books when he said, If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all. Happy Reading!

Giveaway - $25 Amazon

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)Contest ends: July 1, 11:59 pm, 2014Open: InternationallyHow to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Louise Lintvelt and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway